THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JunE 26, 2020 Page 5 DiDomenico and Senate colleagues unanimously pass comprehensive elections bill O n June 16, State Senator Sal DiDomenico and his colleagues in the State Senate unanimously passed a bill to expand voter access and address safety for all remaining 2020 elections, including the September 1 state primary and November 3 general election, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bill, An Act relative to voting options in response to COVID-19, would, for the first time in state history, give all eligible residents the opportunity to vote early for the state primary and general election, allow residents to vote by mail and expand absentee ballot access. “Ensuring that we have safe, inclusive, and accessible elections is always of the highest importance, but especially critical as we face the COVID-19 crisis,” said DiDomenico. “I am proud that we have unanimously passed a comprehensive bill that will allow voters – for the first time ever – to cast ballots by mail, vote early, and safely vote in person, as well as give our local election officials the tools they need to successfully run our fall elections. I am also pleased that we were able to adopt a number of amendments that will ensure there is a strong public awareness campaign on these election changes to help educate and empower voters ahead of the 2020 elections and help drive turnout.” The bill does the following: may return their early voting ballot in the mail, in a secure drop box or in person. • Tasks the Secretary of State with creating an online portal: The bill requires Secretary William Galvin’s office to create an online portal by October 1 to make it as easy as possible for people to apply for general election early voting ballots electronically. • Expands absentee voting: Sal DiDomenico State Senator • Implements an early-voteby-mail system: An application to receive an early voting ballot will be mailed to all registered voters by July 15. The Secretary will then mail another application for the general election in the voter booklet sent out in the fall. Both applications and ballots will be postage paid. • Creates early voting for the primary and expands early voting periods: For the first time in Massachusetts, early voting will be available for the state primary, to take place from Saturday, August 22 through Friday, August 28. Early voting for the general election would take place from Saturday, October 17 to Friday, October 30. Early voting hours would vary according to the size of the municipality in order to give voters ample opportunity to participate while not overburdening small towns’ election departments. Voters The bill provides for absentee voting by any person taking precautions related to COVID-19. Voters may also return absentee ballots via a secure drop box. • Provides tools to assist clerks: Acknowledging the increased burden these options might place on municipalities and clerks, the bill also provides for several accommodations to make the logistics of processing votes easier. The legislation allows for tabulating ballots prior to Election Day, and it offers preaddressed envelopes to voters, so their applications go directly to their clerk’s office. • Makes in-person voting more efficient: The bill allows municipalities to consolidate polling places and eliminate the check-out table at these locations, allowing for a more efficient process and fewer poll workers. It also expands who is eligible to serve as a poll worker, knowing that many current volunteers are seniors who Mayor announces Independence Day celebration M ayor Carlo DeMaria is proud to announce that the City of Everett will host an Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 2 at 6:30 p.m. In order to practice safe social distancing, the celebration will feature a drive-in movie at Rivergreen Park showing the classic baseball movie “The Sandlot.” “I think it’s important to celebrate the ideals of our country that all men are created equal and everyone has the right to the pursuit of happiness,” said DeMaria. “I am happy we are able to provide an opportunity for families to relax and enjoy this holiday in a socially responsible manner.” Prior to the movie, residents are invited to watch virtual fireworks on the screen, interact and take pictures with patriotic characters and superheroes. The City of Everett will also provide free popcorn and drinks. “I hope residents of Everett will take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the holiday with their family members,” said DeMaria. Space is limited to the first 120 vehicles. There will also be a seating area for residents who do not have access to a vehicle. Residents are asked to continue to follow state For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-286-8500 or Info@advocatenews.net might feel less comfortable working in public during the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 4 the Massachusetts House of Representatives had passed its own version of this bill. On June 18, the Massachusetts Senate and House appointed a Committee of Conference to reconcile the differences between the two bills. MassPort Noise Complaint Line: 617-561-3333 guidelines by wearing face coverings and remaining six feet apart. QUARANTINES NOT LOOKING SO BAD!
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